1) Beautiful village surrounded by majestic mountains
Rural traditions, picturesque narrow streets: the village of Appenzell at the foot of the Alpstein, a subgroup of the Appenzell Alps, invites visitors to take a leisurely stroll through its many shops. The Appenzell region itself has three lakes, six cable cars, dozens of mountain inns and the densest network of hiking trails in Switzerland. Especially worth a visit: the Hohe Kasten, Kronberg or Säntis mountain peaks – the highest mountain in the Alpstein range with the most spectacular panorama.
2) Discover lions, zebras and the zoo theatre
A place for explorers, animal lovers and the whole family: the Walter Zoo can be found in Gossau not far from the city of St.Gallen. This zoo has more than 900 animals: chimpanzees and parrots live side by side with alligators and flamingos, Siberian tigers and dwarf goats. During the summer months, there is a zoo theatre in a big tent at Walter Zoo.
3) Enjoy a break at Lake Constance
There is a lot to explore around Lake Constance – on both the German and Swiss shores, on foot and by bike, boat, train, bus or on inline skates. For example, the Napoleon Museum in Salenstein, the stilt houses in Unteruhldingen or the Zeppelin Museum in Friedrichshafen, which has the world's largest collection about the history and technology of blimps.
4) Fantastic view of five different regions
It is here that the St.Gallen-Lake Constance region shows its most splendid side – at least on sunny days: the view from the observation deck at the crossroads of these five regions is simply breathtaking. Visible from the deck are: the state of Vorarlberg in Austria, Bavaria, Baden, Württemberg in Germany and of course Switzerland. After a ride on a PostBus from St.Gallen, the observation deck can be easily accessed by bike and on foot.
5) Adventure nature reserve
The Eselschwanz and Bannriet nature reserves in the St.Gallen Rhine Valley are two excursion destinations for nature lovers seeking tranquillity. The Eselschwanz is a nature reserve and amphibian spawning area of national importance where special habitats for amphibians and insects are maintained. The Bannriet nature reserve has a peat-ditch landscape with an information centre, observation shelters and a lookout tower.
6) A cave full of crystal
Stalactites, glimmering crystals and a small lake intermingle to create the magical atmosphere in the crystal cave that attracts thousands of visitors every year to Kobelwald, a hamlet near Oberriet in the St.Gallen Rhine Valley. The crystal cave is one of the most beautiful caves open to the public in Switzerland and can be visited from Easter to October. Registration is required to visit.
7) Kronberg Zipline-Park und Kronberg Märliwelt
Thrills at lofty heights for young and old: In addition to the integrated rope park, 25 ziplines with a total length of 1,210 meters provide variety and fast-paced fun. Fly over the terrain on five different routes and master the climbing challenges. Or accompany Arnika and Jacobi through their world of fairytale adventures with water and sand up to airy climbing heights. Amazing children's eyes are guaranteed.
8) Picture-perfect panorama on the Chäserrugg mountain
The Toggenburg region, just over an hour’s drive from St.Gallen, offers picture-perfect alpine landscapes, ideal for hiking and cycling as well as swimming and paragliding. The Chäserrugg area is particularly beautiful. A cable car and a number of hiking trails lead visitors up the Chäserrugg mountain with its excellent summit restaurant and sophisticated mountain architecture.
9) Grill and chill overlooking the valley
Summertime is barbecue time. The St.Gallen-Lake Constance region has lots of great barbecue spots. One of the most beautiful is the Steigbüchel in Walzenhausen in the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden. It has an amazing view of the St.Gallen Rhine Valley and is easy to reach on foot from Walzenhausen. Wood is provided on site for fires. So grab your sausages and matches before you head up the trail and get ready to enjoy a meal with a view!
10) View of the Bernese Alps
Why not plan a visit to the Wil observation tower, the landmark of the small town of Wil and an unusual wooden structure? From the observation deck, you can see as far as the Bernese and Austrian Alps. If you’re hungry, you can cook a sausage over an open fire on one of the two barbecue pits. Also worth a visit in Wil are the ponds and the picturesque old town with the Hof zu Wil, a monument of national importance and the former summer residence of the abbots of St.Gallen.
